Menstrual Bleeding Patterns and Development of Ovarian Cysts inTurkish Levonorgestrel- Releasing Intrauterine System Users

Objective: The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a long acting, safe, and reversible method that has a strong contraceptive effect. When using this method, menstrual bleeding disturbance and functional ovarian cysts are common. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between using LNG-IUSs with the development of a functional ovarian cyst and bleeding disturbance in Turkish women. Material and methods: This is a prospective study including 273 Turkish women with regular menstrual cycles who had been administered LNG-IUS for contraception. We assessed their one-year follow-up results regarding bleeding patterns and functional ovarian cysts. Results: Oligomenorrhea was the most commonly seen menstrual bleeding disorder, seen in 13.5% of all subjects. Oligomenorrhea occurred in the 4-6th months of using a LNG-IUS in 70.27% of the subjects. During the one-year follow-up, 28% of the subjects who were administered LNG-IUSs had ovarian cysts. While 36.36% of the ovarian cysts occurred within 4-6 months, 57.14% of them appeared between 7-12 months. Conclusion: During 1-year short-term follow-up of those using LNG-IUSs, approximately one thirds of the subjects developed functional ovarian cysts and 13.5% of all complained of oligomenorrhea.